Makeovers are thank-you for always being there

NEW LOOK

Photo by Kim Good

Karen Woodstra, centre, is thrilled with her new look, courtesy of makeup artist Marianne Coleman, left, and Hairquarters owner/hair stylist Natalia Morlacchetti. Woodstra is this month's winner of the Hairquarters monthly makeover for a deserving community member. (Photos by Kim Good)

LOOKING GOOD

Photo by Kim Good

Makeup artist Marianne Coleman gives makeover winner Karen Woodstra a new look and tips on doing her own makeup.

BEFORE AND AFTER

BRACEBRIDGE - As with most moms, taking time for herself has never been a high priority for Karen Woodstra. Despite losing both her parents in the last five years, supporting her extended family through difficulties they’ve faced, and the everyday mayhem that comes in a household with two pre-teen boys, Woodstra continues to be a rock that everyone can depend on.
“Her heart is ever giving,” said sister-in-law Tammy Kuipers. “She will do, bend, go above and beyond to be there for you. She is hard working and supportive.”
Kuipers nominated Woodstra for the Bracebridge Examiner/Gravenhurst Banner and Hairquarters/Harmony Spa makeover offered monthly to deserving community members. Whether you work hard for your community or have had to endure hard times, Hairquarters owner Natalia Morlacchetti and her team of beauty professionals want to give you the star treatment. An over $400 value, the makeover package is open to both men and women and includes a facial, manicure, pedicure, makeup and hair, including colour, cut and style.
As someone who is used to giving but not taking any time for herself, Woodstra was the perfect candidate, said Kuipers.
“She recently lost her dad, and her mom five years prior. She has struggled to keep brothers strong (one with a disability) and together with their families.
Most very recently, she has found out cancer is in her immediate household,” explained Kuipers. “And she continues to be a strong, caring, giving and loving friend, sister, mother and wife.”
For Woodstra, winning the makeover was a huge surprise.
“I didn’t know I was nominated,” she explained. “When I saw the words that my sister-in-law had put together, it brought tears to my eyes.”
The makeover experience was “so much fun,” said Woodstra, who admitted to being stuck in the ’80s as far as her hairstyle and makeup were concerned.
Though previously afraid to try something new, when given the opportunity for a change, she put her trust in Morlacchetti and the team at Hairquarters.
Morlacchetti, who enjoys using her skills as a hairstylist to give back to the community, took a lot of length off Woodstra’s hair, layered it up and created some volume with some blonde highlights and dark caramel auburn lowlights.
Makeup artist Marianne Coleman showed Woodstra how to soften her makeup with lighter colours for an all-over glow.
“I feel great and just special,” said Woodstra. “Anybody who doesn’t give themselves this kind of opportunity is really missing out. It’s worth it absolutely.”
If you or someone you know deserves a makeover as a thank you for service to their community or to help take their mind off their troubles for a while, why not suggest them for a day of pampering?
Email Diana Dickson at ddickson@metrolandnorthmedia.com.